Edmund Burke was a great political philosopher. He is often considered the "Father of Modern Conservatism," but I think conservatism goes back much farther than Burke (like, to God). Nonetheless, Burke said some awesome things that the modern world needs to hear, but too many don't want to hear. Let me share with you, over a couple of articles, some of the thoughts of Edmund Burke. I think you'll agree America would benefit greatly from these quotes.
1. "The hottest fires in hell are reserved for those who remain neutral in times of moral crisis."
Burke had a lot to say about liberty, nearly all of it spot on, and the cowardice of those who would not defend it. Perhaps Burke's most famous quote of all is in reference to this: "the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." Notice that Burke knew that "evil" existed absolutely, something the Left, in their Marxist, evolutionary history, must deny. Morality—true, godly morality—also existed for Burke, and his heated words in this quote give evidence of what he thought of moral cowards. More on this in subsequent quotes. I have long said that America's biggest problem right now is moral, spiritual, a divorce from God, not political, social, or financial. Get your morals right with God, and everything else will follow in line. Or, as Burke said…
2. "Liberty does not exist in the absence of morality."
This, of course, is totally in harmony with our Founding Fathers' view of a "virtuous" citizenship. Our Founding Fathers, of course—like Burke—would definitely be considered "conservative" today, and this is exactly why the Left hates them so much and is trying to destroy them.
Benjamin Franklin: "Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters."
James Madison: "To suppose that any form of government will secure liberty or happiness without any virtue in the people is a chimerical [fanciful] idea."
No godly morality, no liberty—unless you define liberty as "licentiousness," which the Left does nowadays. But that won't work, and Burke, in a later quote in this series, will explain why.
3. "The Fate of good men who refuse to become involved in politics is to be ruled by evil men."
By "involved in politics" here, Burke didn't mean that we all must run for office. But we should do what we can. Voting is certainly "involvement," and if a person can help in other ways, he/she should. If we do nothing, then our "fate' is to "be ruled by evil men."
Burke understood the nature of man. He knew that there were plenty of evil people out there, and one of the greatest lusts of evil is to have power. Good (God) is greater than Evil (Satan), but only if "good's" emissaries are active, vigilant, diligent, and willing to fight. Otherwise (quote one above), they are destined for the "hottest fires in hell" and "to be ruled by evil men" (current quote). For too long, good, decent, God-fearing Americans sat back and let the Left take over the country. Now, thanks to Donald Trump, we've awakened to the crisis. The only question is, is it too late?
4. "Silence is golden, but when it threatens your freedom, it's yellow."
This has a bit of comedy to it, but the point is well made. "Silence is golden" is an old adage; how much damage has the human tongue done throughout history? Sometimes, many times, perhaps most of the time, it's just best to keep our mouths shut. But not, as Burke said, when our freedoms are at stake. Then a "golden silent tongue" turns yellow, cowardly. There is "a time to keep silent, and a time to speak" (Ecclesiastes 3:7). Wisdom learns the difference. When freedom is threatened, Burke rightly said, silence is yellow, not golden.
5. "Those who don't know history are destined to repeat it."
How many times have we heard this? That is one reason I am writing this article—so we can learn from history.
Karl Marx also knew this as a truism, only he wanted the exact opposite of Burke: "Keep people from their history and they are easily controlled." "Take away a nation's heritage and they are more easily persuaded."
This is one facet of modern, Democratic Party leftism that is so obviously Marxist. The Democrats and the Left are trying to destroy American history, to present it as totally evil, and thus, the whole country needs a complete reformation. And since, according to one Democratic senator, our rights come from government and not God, it will be up to government to institute the necessary changes—i.e., government will need totalitarian power. Zohran Mamdani said that there is no problem government can't solve. Too many Americans believe that, and that is frightening.
History demonstrates that government is the greatest killer of all. More people have died from government abuse of power, by far, than from any other single source. Just do a cursory examination of the 20th century if you have any questions about that. Americans' apparent utter ignorance of what socialism and communism did in the 20th century is appalling. It is one reason why, as Burke said, we are repeating it. And Marx must be chuckling.
Incidentally, Burke also had something brilliant to say about reform: "If I cannot have reform without injustice, I will not have reform." Any reform based on a lie, error, or injustice will soon have to be undertaken again. Beware leftist "reforms."
More from Burke soon.
My substacks are a little unique. Not just current events, but history, our Founding Fathers, what America was meant to be, and Biblical exegesis. Check them out. "Mark It Down! (mklewis929.substack.com), and "Mark It Down! Bible Substack" (mklbibless.substack.com). Both free. Follow me on "X": @thailandmkl. Read my western novels, "Whitewater," "River Bend," "Return to River Bend," and "Allie's Dilemma," all available on Amazon.
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